Through the generosity of Trent retirees, staff, faculty and students, paired with successful on-campus events, Trent University has met its fundraising goal and raised $70,000 for the United Way of Greater Peterborough.

The money raised through Trent University’s annual United Way Campaign will stay in the local community to help more than 47,000 people in need.

“We’re proud to support the local United Way chapter, its member agencies and the Peterborough community,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor, Trent University. “This year we set our highest United Way Campaign fundraising target to date and we hope that as each year passes, we continue to grow the donation we’re able to make.”

This year’s campaign involved numerous events such as the most successful kick-off gourmet BBQ to-date, raising more than $1,200 in just three hours. Other activities included the introduction of a student-led pancake breakfast and “white elephant” donation tables, alongside the annual pledge drive. 

“As the community representatives for the Otonabee College cabinet, we wanted to deepen the connection between the Peterborough community and the student body. When we learned about the staff and faculty campaign, we thought this would be a great opportunity to give back to our adoptive community,” said Krishna Patel and Isaac Prazmowski, community representatives, Otonabee College cabinet.

“For the past 50 years, our United Way campaign has been championed by staff and faculty but this year, we saw Trent students take initiative in the fundraising efforts to do their part in support of a worthy cause,” added Linda Smith, staff campaign co-chair. “Trent’s United Way campaign has been a long standing tradition that not only brings the campus community together but also allows Trent the opportunity support the greater Peterborough area.”

Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $1.7 million dollars for the organization. The United Way is a community-based, not-for-profit umbrella organization that distributes donations to 32 member agencies and supports over 150 programs and services in Peterborough City and County.

Posted on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.